CCTV Discovery. 6

Author: Xue Jijun
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-05-01
Features: What does "Journey of Discovery" hope to bring to the audience? What have the creators gained from this journey of discovery? The answer is not immediate. A brand-new program format must go through stages of creation, growth, and maturity. Therefore, the positioning and target audience of the program, including its presentation methods and unique charm that distinguishes it from similar programs, are all gradually clarified through exploration. For young creators of the program, as a popular saying goes, they naturally hope to satisfy themselves while contributing to others. If this can be achieved, it can become a passionate and fulfilling era. In fact, these are the inner thoughts of the program's creators, rarely shared openly. As mentioned earlier, the program's development was also a trial-and-error process, but it did not lack an original concept. To better explain "Journey of Discovery," it is necessary to first discuss what we did not want the program to be. First, it is not a traditional science and education documentary, which cannot be lost in the ocean of knowledge. Second, it is not an elite documentary that blindly follows sensational statements, which is indeed too risky. Last, it is certainly not a news-style documentary that skims the surface and offers only general remarks. So, what kind of program is "Journey of Discovery"? Or, where does its value lie?
First and foremost, a program should realize its artistic value. Compared to other programs, "Journey of Discovery" has very distinct features, its appeal lying in its storytelling approach. It starts with a story, then explores the connections between events, and finally, it provides the scientific key to solving the mystery. Here, knowledge is placed in the background, with stories driving the knowledge and science integrated into the plot to achieve the goal of educating through entertainment. This entertainment-oriented creative approach is not our invention, but we were indeed pioneers in science programs in China.
Second, the media value of the program. A good program, one with artistic value, must inevitably fulfill the roles of education and promotion. Education and promotion can take various forms—shouting from the rooftops or expressing oneself directly, or calmly and objectively spreading the spirit of science. We chose the latter.
Third, the social value of the program. At this level, it primarily reflects a cognitive value. Science itself is a clear stance—seeking truth, being pragmatic, and being realistic. It gradually imbues the audience with the spirit and attitude of science, naturally leading to social value. And I believe this is precisely what is missing in our national spirit today.
"Journey of Discovery" is the only science exploration documentary program on China Central Television (CCTV). It examines the progress of human civilization from a scientific perspective and pursues the truth with a spirit of discovery. Four years after its launch, it gained widespread popularity and was hailed as "China's Discovery." Compared to other programs, "Journey of Discovery" has very distinct features, its appeal lying in its storytelling approach. It starts with a story, then explores the connections between events, and finally, it provides the scientific key to solving the mystery. Here, knowledge is placed in the background, with stories driving the knowledge and science integrated into the plot to achieve the goal of educating through entertainment. This entertainment-oriented creative approach is not our invention, but we were indeed pioneers in science programs in China.
Second, the media value of the program. A good program, one with artistic value, must inevitably fulfill the roles of education and promotion. Education and promotion can take various forms—shouting from the rooftops or expressing oneself directly, or calmly and objectively spreading the spirit of science. We chose the latter.
Third, the social value of the program. At this level, it primarily reflects a cognitive value. Science itself is a clear stance—seeking truth, being pragmatic, and being realistic. It gradually imbues the audience with the spirit and attitude of science, naturally leading to social value. And I believe this is precisely what is missing in our national spirit today.
"Journey of Discovery" will take readers on a journey of scientific revelation and mystery-solving. It pushes aside the layers of fog in various fields such as archaeology, biology, architecture, medicine, and geography. This series of books uses a suspenseful storytelling style to showcase the process of unraveling mysteries, revealing the wonders of the world with a scientific attitude and perspective. Each chapter begins with a story, then explores the connections between events, and finally, it provides the scientific key to solving the mystery. Knowledge is placed in the background, suspense triggers the readers, stories introduce the knowledge, and science is integrated into the plot.
One of the key features of "Journey of Discovery" is the integration of suspense and entertainment throughout. While calmly and objectively delving into the scientific significance behind the surface, it allows readers to truly experience the charm of discovery, feel the rigor of exploring the unknown, and enjoy the pleasure of reading. Various types of knowledge are blended into a series of progressively unfolding stories. In the process of reading, readers not only gain scientific knowledge but also more importantly, learn the methods of exploring the unknown and experience the joy of scientific discovery.
Another key feature of "Journey of Discovery" is that the mysteries and mysterious places explored are basically unique to China. Chinese readers can feel this, and they can participate in and experience it in real life. For example, "The Mystery of the Wild Man," "Unidentified Flying Objects in Chinese Skies," "Will the Giant Panda Become Extinct?" and "The Legend of the Falcon." These chapters narrate unsolved mysteries within China, offering readers the opportunity to witness them firsthand and even the possibility of uncovering these mysteries themselves.